Is Chivalry Really Dead ?

[Scylax]

According to a recent survey ( D. Telegraph 15 /1/13), many, many women would be suspicious of a man who opened a door, gave up a seat in a bus, etc. as an act of good manners/ chivalry. Personally, I shall continue to do this - I'd be less than a man otherwise Agree ?

[cazzz1975]

I don't think the younger generation have been taught to use chivalry, so in essence it could be dead in years to come.

[jno]

suspicious? What on earth would they suspect?

[naomi24]

Not sure you'd be less than a man - but you wouldn't be such a pleasant, well-mannered man.

[Davethedog]

Chivalry died when the wimmin pushed PC in all of our faces. (male & female)

I read a story a few years ago when a chap held open dorr for a woman, which is good manners for either sex, he was accused of sexism. That may be apocryphal, but I remember reading it.

I was always taught to give up your seat for a lady, to open a door etc I still would but it appears ceratin women wish to be treated as men, so thats that. I do realise this doesn't apply to all women, as much as not all men were chivalrous, bt in a PC world who do you be "mannered" to?

[ludwig]

I don't think I'd give up a seat for someone just because they were a woman. I would do for anyone male or female who was elderly, infirm, pregnant or otherwise more in need of a seat than me.

Holding a door open is just good manners. Everyone should do it for everyone else.

[RATTER15]

I, generally speaking will still open doors for women and give up a seat, it has always been appreciated as far as im aware, ive never know a woman to be offended by it.

[woofgang]

what ludwig said. I would view this as simple good manners. Much as i liked to feel "cared for" by my man, I think that a society where the good manners only goes one way is not one that I would like (PS I am female)

[WELSHYORKIE]

Totally agree with ludwig - those are the manners my other instilled in me and which I instilled in my 2 sons. They in turn are doing the same with their children - and well behaved children they are too.

[Iluvspikey]

I think it's lovely to have doors opened for me, chairs pulled out for me etc, shows refinement and manners in a man. Like my husband is always bringing me flowers, another lady said,'oh - what's he been up to?' I said I'd no need to be suspicious. You continue Scylax, for every woman who objects, I'm sure that there will be two who will thank you for it!

[woofgang]

I think though there is a difference between the manners that you describe, spikey, and "public" manners. I wouldn't be suspicious of someone who offered me a seat on transport or helped a door open for me, but if a stranger offered me flowers or held my chair in a restaurant (unless he was the waiter lol) then I would deffo be sussy

[DTCwordfan]

Blame that Australian Ambassador of Crass Culture and Manners, one Germaine Greer. It's another example of the lack of respect in society - and that has nothing to do with women's rights and equality.

[Booldawg]

chivalry is an old and outdated concept in todays world of equality. Good manners, however, are equally important today as they have ever been.

[sandyRoe]

I think the pendulum has swung too far. Last time I was on a bus a young women got up and offered me her place.

[jno]

it still happens on the continent, sandyRoe. Perhaps your benefactress was European?

[emmie]

sandy, perhaps that is right, if you are old, a bit doddery and not quite stable on your feet..

[emmie]

i constantly see able bodied folk who leave the elderly, those on walking sticks, crutches, stagger down the bus, which is wrong, i always offer my seat to someone less able. We all should have manners

[Scylax]

I remember about 1000 years ago, I was travelling with my father on a tram. I was about 6 or 7 years of age, and as the tram filled, my father nudged me to give up my seat for a lady in the aisle. I was obviously in a daydream, because I didn't understand what he meant. He gave me a withering look, then offered his seat instead. The lady took it - and I felt mortified. I think I started to cry. I hope that she's forgiven me since. A lesson I've never forgotten.

[Sipowicz]

1000 years ago? You've got a great memory! ;-)

[excelsior-1]

i have always been chivalrous, and shall continue to be so.
it is the way i was brought up .. it us satisfying to hear a lady express relief and gratitude when i offer my seat on the bus

[wolf63]

I fully agree with equal opportunities but still appreciate males who will carry heavy stuff for me. I always hold open doors for people and would consider that I have reasonably good manners.

My dad always used to walk on the outside of the pavement when he was with me and would never allow me to pay for a meal when we were out.